Dog Travel Essentials Checklist – Everything You Need For a Safe & Fun Trip

Pets Can Smile – 17 July 2024

You want your trips with your dog to be safe and enjoyable.

For this, you need to prepare.

This is why we created this Dog Travel Essentials Checklist.

This checklist will ensure that you and your dog will enjoy your:

• Long car ride
• Weekend trip
• Road trip
• Train or bus trip
• Flying

Let’s do this.

Let’s ensure you have everything you need for the trip with your dog.

And let’s ensure the trip is safe and enjoyable – for everyone.

DOG FOOD

Yes, we start with dog food.

This is because dog food is an absolute essential for a trip with your dog.

You don’t want to run out of food for your dog in the middle of nowhere.

And you have to be ready in case you need to switch to different food during the trip.

Also, dogs thrive on routine.

So when taking your dog on a trip, you should keep your pup’s routine as much as possible.

This includes what food your dog eats.

This is why we recommend that you stick to a well-known dog food brand – so you can easily find it in any pet store during the trip (in case you need to restock).

The Farmer’s Dog

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Pre-packaged meals as daily portions – perfect for trips!
• Fresh, human-grade meat & vegetables
• Cooked in human-grade kitchens!
• Cooked gently to ensure retention of all key nutrients
• No additives, cheap fillers, or harmful chemicals
• No preservatives (some dog food brands add preservatives to keep dog food shelf-stable for years)
• Various options for allergies, sensitive stomachs, and other dietary issues
• Designed by veterinarians to comply with AAFCO standards
• Pre-packaged meals as daily portions

Open Farm

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Designed specifically for puppies to support optimal growth and development
• Human-grade ingredients
• Special cooking process that removes bacteria while retaining great flavor
• 100% animal welfare-certified mix of chicken, pork, beef, and salmon
• Packed with vegetables and superfoods (non-GMO)
• Free of hormones, antibiotics, and steroids
• Prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion

DOG TREATS

Yes, you should pack your dog’s favorite treats.

Treats can be very useful as:

• Stress reliever
• Entertainment
• Dental hygiene

Dog treats are also perfect when you need to settle down your dog in busy places, such as cafes, restaurants, planes, and trains.

Milk-Bone

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Made with real beef & filet mignon infused with a natural smoke flavor
• Tons of meat protein!
• Delicious
• Soft & chewy texture (easy on dog’s gums)
• Easy to chew
• Fortified with 12 vitamins & minerals

Wellness

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Specially formulated for dogs under 1 year old
• Crafted with premium, wholesome ingredients
• Packed with DHA and omega-3 fatty acids!
• No meat by-products, corn, wheat, or dairy
• No artificial colors or flavors

Greenies

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Fights plaque & tartar
• Promotes fresh breath
• Unique, chewy texture (cleans down to the gumline)
• Packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients

N-Bone

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Crafted specifically to help relieve sore gums & teething pain
• Provides gentle massaging of gums
• Irresistible to puppies (so no more chewing on your furniture)
• Promote a healthy brain, skin, and shiny coat
• Support optimal bone & teeth health (tons of calcium)
• Fortified with DHA & beneficial fatty acids
• No corn, wheat, or soy (perfect for puppies of any breed)

FOOD BOWLS

Your dog will be a happier eater during the trip if allowed to eat from its favorite food bowl.

Look for food bowls with a non-slip base.

We also recommend stainless steel bowls over plastic ones.

Stainless steel bowls are more durable and are easier to clean, compared to plastic bowls.

PRO TIP

Yes, avoid plastic bowls.

Plastic bowls are not as antimicrobial as stainless steel bowls.

Plastic can also contain chemicals that can cause health issues, such as stomach irritation or acne.

Frisco

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Durable stainless steel bowl
• Stain- and rust-resistant
• Easy to clean (dishwasher safe)
• High-quality polished finish (look great in any home décor)
• Non-slip base ensures a secure grip to prevent tipping and spills
• Rubber base (helps protect your floor)

Frisco

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Perfect for a trip with your dog
• Foldable
• Made of silicone
• BPA-free
• A carabiner clip to easily attach to leashes or bags
• Easy to clean (dishwasher safe)

WATER BOWLS

No matter how long you’re planning to travel with your dog, you should always take fresh water with you.

For this, you need a dog water bowl

And don’t forget that you may get stuck on the road – and so travel for much longer than you planned.

Choco Nose

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Leak-proof nozzle (keeps the crate dry)
• BPA-free
• Easily installs into any crate (easily adjust the height to fit your dog)
• Recommended for small to medium dogs

Springer

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• 2-in-1 design (a water bottle and a dog bowl in one)
• A leak-proof valve (prevents spills)
• Fits in most car cup holders
• BPA-free, food-safe material

HARNESS & COLLAR

There will be plenty of walking and exploring on your trip with a dog.

So don’t forget to pack a dog collar (or harness).

But… should you get your puppy a collar or a harness?

We recommend both.

So you’re prepared for whatever works best at any given time.

For example, if your dog starts pulling too strongly on a leash, it may damage its trachea.

But when your dog behaves in a dog collar, use a dog collar.

Li’l Pals

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Adjustable (comfortable and secure fit)
• Back D-ring for gentle guidance on walks
• Breathable mesh material (keeps dogs cool)
• Great for fussy pups

Frisco

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Personalized with your dog’s name and your contact information
• Adjustable (get the exact fit for your pup)
• Reflective (great visibility)
• Very durable
• A ring to attach your pup’s ID tag

LEASH

We recommend that you use a 4 ft or 6 ft leash.

We also recommend a standard leash, rather than a retractable one.

A standard leash is better at training your dog to stay close to you – and it discourages your pup from free roaming.

Yes, you want your doggy to walk nicely by your side, not ahead of you.

Li’l Pals

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Very comfortable grip
• Easy to put on
• Strong for secure handling
• Stylish design

ID TAG

Definitely don’t forget to pack an ID tag – you never know.

An ID tag will allow people to bring your lost dog back to you. Phew!

An ID Tag should include the following:

• Your dog’s name
• Your telephone number
• Your city
• Any relevant medical information
• “I’m microchipped” message – if your pup is microchipped
• “I’m lost – please call my mom” message (optional)

Frisco

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Very secure
• Plenty of space for essential info (dog’s name, your contact details)
• Available in two sizes to suit dogs of any sizes

GPS DOG COLLAR

If your dog runs away too far during a trip, the poor thing may not be able to find its way home.

This is why we always take GPS dog collars for our travels with dogs.

And yes, twice already one of our dogs chased something in a new place – and a GPS collar allowed for a happy reunion. Phew!

Here is our pick for the best GPS dog collar.

Petdiary

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• All-in-one GPS tracker + dog fence + dog training collar!
• Keep your dog safe within a GPS fence
• Uses satellite signals (no more relying on SIM cards, apps, or transmitters)
• Automatic memory (no more setting up the same fence again)
• Vibration and static stimulation for correcting your pup
• Safe & humane
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Waterproof
• No subscription required

MUZZLE

Yes, in some countries, dogs are required to wear a muzzle.

Make sure to get your dog used to wearing a muzzle before your trip.

Baskerville

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Fully adjustable head & neck straps
• Soft & lightweight
• You can feed your dog while it’s wearing the muzzle
• Tough & durable
• Very comfortable (padded lining)
• Can be shaped for a customized fit (with hot water)
• Secure fit

DOG SEATBELT

A dog seatbelt is a must if you’re traveling by car.

A dog seatbelt makes a car ride safer not only for your dog but also for other passengers.

And yes, a dog without a seatbelt can easily fly through the windshield, during a car accident.

Dog seatbelts are also great for dogs who like to stick their heads out of the window – and for dogs who may jump out of a car to greet another dog or chase a cat.

Some dogs also love to leave the car the moment you open the door. A dog seatbelt will prevent your dog from running into a busy parking lot.

And did you know that in many countries dog seatbelts are compulsory?

Mighty Paw

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Will keep your dog & other passengers safe
• Designed like a human car seat buckle (easy to strap your pup in)
• Secure & comfortable
• Adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes
• Dog seatbelts are great for short car trips.

But for longer car trips, we recommend a dog car harness.

CarSafe

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Crash tested
• Attaches directly to car seat belt system
• Cushioned & breathable padding on the chest
• Very comfortable

DOG CAR SEAT COVER

We always take a car seat cover for our trips with dogs.

We are more relaxed knowing that our dogs are not chewing on the car seats during the trips.

Here is our pick for the best dog car seat cover.

Shele

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Designed to fit in most cars, trucks, and SUVs
• Waterproof
• A slip-resistant bottom (keeps it secure)
• Scratch-resistant
• Quick to install
• A gauze window (great airflow & minimizes anxiety)

DOG BLANKET

Yes, your dog will sleep and rest much better on a familiar blanket. Home away from home, right?

This is why we always take dog blankets for our trips with our dogs.

A familiar blanket can persuade a nervous or excitable dog to lie down and get some sleep. Nice.

PetFusion

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Special cooling technology (stay cool in hot weather & stay warm when it’s cold)
• Lightweight & breathable
• Shed-resistant fabric (made to last)
• Easy to clean (machine-washable)

Alternatively, you can take a crate mat.

Quality crate mats are very comfy.

MidWest

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Perfect to keep your dog comfortable in a house, crate, or car
• Ultra-soft
• Stylish
• Easy to clean (machine-washable)

DOG TOWEL

We also take a dog towel (or two) for our trips with dogs.

As you know, most hotels supply only white towels.

So… do you know how to best annoy the hotel staff?

Just use their white towels to clean your dog’s muddy paws.

So yes, pack a dog towel for your trip.

Dog towels are very useful:

• After a bath
• After a walk in the rain
• For cleaning muddy paws
• For providing warmth
• For ensuring comfort for your dog

Frisco

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Quickly absorbs water (absorbent microfiber)
• Great after baths
• Perfect for removing mud & dirt
• Embroidered doggy bones design (so you won’t mistake it with your towels)
• Machine washable

DOG WIPES

Take your shoes off!

What? I’m a dog.

Right – sorry.

Let’s clean your paws with these dog wipes instead. 

And your butt, too. That’s better.

Earth Rated

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Thick & durable
• Very soft
• Skin-soothing shea butter, aloe vera, and chamomile
• Gentle to allow everyday use
• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist tested
• Contains no alcohol or parabens

GROOMING

Most dogs will require a brush – especially if your dog is swimming or roaming in grassy fields.

Oh… we also take a dog nail clipper for our dogs.

To be sure, our dogs don’t really like nail clipping – but they like even less walking with long nails on hard surfaces.

DOG BRUSH

Choose a dog brush that is suitable for the type of your dog’s coat.

A long-hair dog needs daily brushing, while a short-hair dog may only need an occasional brush.

Fun Fact: Brushing your dog strengthens your bond with the pet.

Hartz

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Dual-action (detangles, removes loose fur, and softens coat in one step)
• Two specialized sides for a healthy coat and shedding reduction
• Very gentle
• Nylon bristles help bring out the softness and shine of your dog’s coat
• Ergonomic handle prevents strain and fatigue while grooming your pup

NAIL CLIPPER

Clipping your dog’s nails is very important.

You should clip your dog’s nails regularly.

Pet Life

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Built-in LED light to illuminate your dog’s nails
• No batteries required (charge through USB)
• Anti-slip grip for perfect control
• Waterproof trim guard that collects nail trimmings

DOG TOYS

Yes, don’t forget to pack one of two of your dog’s favorite toys!

Your dog will be busy having daily adventures… but what about evenings?

You’ll also want to distract your dog with something to chew while you’re eating your meals, whether in nature or in a restaurant.

Here are some of the key benefits of dog toys:

• Prevent boredom (can keep your dog busy for hours)
• Provide comfort during sleep
• Help relieve anxiety
• Provide mental & physical stimulation
• Reduce barking, whining, and nervousness
• Provide security during stressful times
• Help eliminate problem behaviors (excessive barking, chewing, and more)
• Promote clean teeth & fresh breath (chew toys)
• Help remove plaque & tartar (chew toys)

We recommend that you take two or three dog toys for the trip with your dog.

Benebone

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Helps satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew
• Promotes relaxation
• Discourages chewing on your favorite furniture and shoes
• Ergonomic design (your dog can easily get a good grip)
• Very tough
• Real-bacon flavor (all the way through the chew)
• Sales are donated to animal support organizations!

KONG

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Perfect as a comfort toy for your pup
• Also great for a game of fetch
• Squeaks for extra excitement
• Soft and cuddly
• Super tough
• Minimal filling (less mess)

Chuckit

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Designed specifically for fetching
• High bounce
• Can be used in water
• Bright color for high visibility (no more losing a fetch toy)
• Very durable

Chuckit!

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Perfect for long-distance fetch
• Bright color for high visibility (prevents roller from getting lost)
• Can be used in water
• Very durable
• Soft but sturdy (easy on a dog’s mouth)

POOP BAGS

You can never have enough of poop bags.

This is why you can find them in every pocket of every dog owner.

Better too many than not enough, right?

Earth Rated

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Compact and convenient (take them anywhere)
• Extra-long, extra-strong, and leak-proof (your hands are always protected)
• Scented!
• Made from recycled plastic

DOG CARRIER BAG

A dog carrier bag (for a small dog) is essential for trips on:

• Train
• Bus
• Plane

You don’t want your dog to get stepped on, right?

PRO TIP

With some train companies in Europe, small dogs travel for free if they’re in a carrier bag – otherwise they’re charged a fee.

Also, a dog traveling in a carrier bag is often exempt from having to wear a muzzle.

Jespet

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Folds down into a small and flat package for easy storage!
• Safety belt strap to secure the carrier to a car seat or your luggage
• Soft & comfortable (plenty of padding)
• Durable
• Great ventilation
• Back pocket for storing leash, treats, or other travel gear

DOG MEDICINE

We also take dog medicine for our trips with dogs – better safe than sorry, right?

The most common & severe health risks to dogs come from:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Heartworms

Fortunately, you can buy all-in-one protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

Here is our recommendation for the best all-in-one medicine for a dog.

NexGard PLUS

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• All-in-one monthly dose for parasite protection
• Kills adult fleas before they can even lay eggs
• Kills 4 species of ticks
• Effectively prevents heartworm disease
• Treats & controls 3 species of hookworms
• Treats & controls 2 species of roundworms
• Tasty to dogs (beef-flavored chew)
• Safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks of age

And don’t forget to take your dog’s current medication – if your dog takes it.

Also don’t forget to take extra supplies of the current medication in case you’re delayed returning home.

FIRST AID KIT

Accidents happen!

Enough said.

Here is our pick for the best first aid kit for dogs.

Adventure Medical Kits

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Splinter picker & tick remover (safely remove splinters & ticks)
• Triangular bandage (to muzzle your pooch so you can safely administer first aid)
• Cohesive elastic bandage
• Dressings & bandages

TALK TO YOUR VET

Not all dogs do well in a car – just like humans.

Some dogs will get car sickness.

Some may throw up.

Some dogs can also get anxious in a car – or when visiting new places.

So yes, it’s always worth talking to your vet before traveling with your dog.

PRO TIP

Watch for these signs of potential car sickness in your dog:

• Excessive yawning
• Drooling a lot
• Licking lips

If you observe any of these signs, it may be a good idea to take a break from driving.

DOG PASSPORT & PAPERWORK

If you’re traveling internationally, you may need a dog passport.

You may also need other paperwork, such as a certificate of rabies vaccination.

Dog passport and other paperwork requirements differ from country to country – so make sure you’re always ready.

We recommend that you take the originals and a printed copy.

For extra piece of mind, have a scanned copy on your phone, too.

To summarize, take the following:

• Dog passport
• Veterinary health certificate
• Vaccination records
• Insurance certificate

Here are some great resources about traveling with a dog:

For European travel: Taking Your Dog to Europe: A Guide to Vaccines & Paperwork

For US travel: Bringing a Dog into the United States

For travel to Australia: Australia Pet Passport & Import Regulations

But even if you’re traveling with your dog within your current country, we still recommend that you take your dog’s vaccination records, insurance certificate, and insurance policy documents in case your dog needs medical attention while you’re away.

Dog Travel Essentials Checklist – Conclusion

You want your trips with your dog to be safe and enjoyable.

For this, you need to prepare.

This is why we created this Dog Travel Essentials Checklist.

This checklist will ensure that you and your dog will enjoy your:

• Long car ride
• Weekend trip
• Road trip
• Train or bus trip
• Flying

Our team wishes you and your dog safe trips – and tons of fun during your travels!